How Much Does Car Shipping Cost? Price Guide | American Auto Link
American Auto Link
[ PRICING GUIDE ]

How much does it cost
to ship a car?

Understand the price before you request a quote. Typical ranges, pricing factors, and what changes your final rate.

PRICE SNAPSHOT
Short-distance$300 – $650
Regional$550 – $900
Cross-country$1,100 – $1,600
Open versus enclosed
Open $1,100 – $1,600Enclosed $1,600 – $2,400

General guidance. Your personalized quote is the real price.

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WHAT MOVES THE PRICE

Six things decide your number.

These are the real levers, and your coordinator can show you each one.

TOTAL PRICE ↑PER MILE ↓MORE MILES →
Distance
Longer routes cost more in total, but less per mile.
EXPOSED · $COVERED · $$
Open or enclosed
Enclosed protects more and costs more.
COMPACT4 / LOADSUV3 / LOADTRUCK2 / LOAD
Vehicle size and weight
Bigger vehicles take more room on the truck.
RUNSNON-RUNNING
Running or not
Non-running cars need a winch and special handling.
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECSUPPLYPEAK
Season and demand
Snowbird and summer-move peaks tighten supply.
PICKUP WINDOWCARRIERS2 available
Pickup flexibility
A wider window gives us more carriers to choose from.
[ STRAIGHT TALK ]

Why one quote is way lower than the rest.

The low number usually isn't a discount. It's an estimate with no carrier attached — a hook to win your booking. Once you commit, the "real" price surfaces, often higher than the honest quotes you passed on.

ask who is actually moving the car.
THREE QUESTIONS TO ASK ANY BROKER
01
Are you the carrier, or a broker?

A broker arranges the haul with an independent carrier. Ask which one and check their MC number.

02
Is the price binding or an estimate?

Most quotes are estimates. A binding price locks the number so a low bid can't climb after you commit.

03
What happens if the price jumps?

A low quote often gets "re-quoted" up once a carrier is found. Ask in writing what triggers a change.

OPEN VS ENCLOSED

Which one fits your car?

Open transport is the standard — exposed to weather but priced for everyday moves. Enclosed adds a covered trailer that shields the car from road grime, rain, and debris. It costs more, and for a daily driver that's usually overkill. For a classic, lowered, or high-value car, it's worth it.

OPENENCLOSED
PRICE
Lower
Higher
PROTECTION
Exposed to weather
Shielded from elements
BEST FOR
Daily drivers
Classic / high-value cars
Read the full guide: open vs enclosed →
TYPICAL RANGES

What most moves cost, by distance.

Most shipments land between $300 and $1,600 for standard open transport. Enclosed shipping and oversized vehicles cost more. These are approximate ranges for a standard sedan; your route, season, and carrier availability set the real number.

DistanceOpen TransportEnclosed Transport
0 – 500 miles$300 – $650$500 – $950
500 – 1,000 miles$550 – $900$850 – $1,300
1,000 – 1,500 miles$750 – $1,100$1,100 – $1,600
1,500 – 2,000 miles$950 – $1,350$1,350 – $1,900
2,000+ miles$1,100 – $1,600$1,600 – $2,400

Popular routes

High-volume corridors with plenty of carriers. Tap one for pricing and timing on that lane.

QUESTIONS

Cost questions, answered.

Final price depends on the carrier available for your dates. The estimate is within about 10 to 15 percent, and your coordinator confirms the final rate before anything is booked.

Nothing is charged to hold your spot. You only pay after a carrier is assigned and you confirm the booking with your coordinator.

Carrier supply, season, and route demand can shift the number. Your coordinator locks in the final rate with a carrier before you commit.

Yes, enclosed transport typically adds 30–40% over open carrier pricing. It is recommended for classic cars, luxury vehicles, and new or high-value vehicles that need extra protection.

Most domestic shipments take 1–7 business days depending on distance. Short regional routes (under 500 miles) often deliver in 1–2 days. Cross-country routes typically take 5–7 business days.

Yes. Non-running vehicles require additional loading equipment and extra handling time, which adds approximately 15–20% to the base rate.

Door-to-door means the carrier picks up your vehicle at your specified address and delivers directly to the destination address — no terminal drop-off required. This is the standard service we provide.

Someone 18 or older must be present at both pickup and delivery to inspect the vehicle and sign the condition report (bill of lading). You may authorize a trusted person to act on your behalf.

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